HairStyle Trends

What is one of the first characteristics you are likely to notice about someone? Their hair. Hair has caused controversy, hair has caused fights and hair has inspired artists and creative souls worldwide.

Hair is a personal matter, a point of bonding for many. I’ll bet you spent at least five minutes messing with your hair already today. Some of us spend hundreds and even thousands of dollars per year on our hair.

What is interesting about all of this is, that considering what hair really is, all of this would seem odd. Hair is essentially a dead item on your head. Sounds kind of gross huh? But, in the final analysis, that is what hair truly is. That said, let’s talk about what is going on with hair in America today.

Just like everything else these days, hair is “going green”. You may have noticed that it’s organic everything for hair. But, buyer beware as are there are big discrepancies in organic claims. Not only do you have to read your food labels these days but all of your product labels as well. There are some great lines of products out there. For example, at Fantasia, we love Pureology by Redken. The ingredients are botanical and it’s wonderful for maintaining hair color.

The look for hair is both short and long. Hair is softer today, wider instead of fuller. Simple long ponytails are in for proms and weddings as well as soft wavy hair. Swoopy bangs are in again and brushed-out curls for a relaxed look. It’s kind of like back to the 70’s for simplicity. Would you believe hot rollers are back? (Darn, I threw mine away months ago.)

Tone on tone coloring is popular. If the customers don’t want a trendy cut, perhaps they want trendy color instead. For the young, faded -out punky colors are in.

Wigs are big and Fantasia has the largest inventory of any salon in the area. Extensions are also popular, inspired by Hollywood. Celebrities are not hiding the fact that they are wearing extensions. Fantasia uses Great Lengths Extensions which are what many of your favorite celebrities are wearing.

Natural is in. Instead of “blowing out” your curly or wavy hair, embrace it. Most stylist want to work with the air as it is naturally. Most good stylists can make any haircut work with the customer’s natural hair. That’s where they really can get into the “artistry” and creativity.

It’s all good. We don’t have to spend so much time on our hair these days so that leaves time for other things!

You have heard of Aloe Vera and how it works miraculously to help heal burns, right? Perhaps you didn’t know that it is the cure all for many other ailments and can be used both topically as well as internally. When taken internally, it is a wonderful cleanse, and can help remove toxins from the body.

Perhaps what you didn’t know is that Aloe Vera is fabulous for your hair and scalp. Some swear that it will even help prevent hair loss.

Aloe Vera has been used for centuries as a remedy to cure and relieve common skin disorders in North America, India, and the Caribbean. This miracle plant has been used to help relieve skin and scalp disorders and keep hair healthy.

So, what’s the connection with Aloe Vera and hair loss? Aloe Vera is known to balance out the PH in the human system and stimulate the production of enzymes on your scalp which in turn, helps to stimulate hair growth. If you are looking for a totally natural home remedy to help with hair loss or to simply keep your hair healthy, Aloe Vera to the rescue! Perhaps it can help keep hair on your head instead of in the bed!

Just before going to bed, dab a bit of Aloe Vera on your scalp with your fingers or with a cotton ball. Massage into your scalp and hair. You may remember from another post I did, that just the act of massaging your scalp will increase blood flow which can stimulate the hair follicles, which in turn can help the hair to grow.

After massaging Aloe Vera into your head and hair the night before, you obviously will want to wash your hair the next morning. Or, if you prefer not sleeping with the Aloe Vera on, massage it into your hair the next morning, leave it on for at least an hour, then wash it out. Longer is better and again, the massaging is probably almost as important as the Aloe Vera.

You should be able to find Aloe Vera at your local grocery store or drug store. If you live in a more remote area, check on-line. If all of this sounds like too much hassle and a lot of work, come into Fantasia for Hair Support System. This is a salon treatment followed by home care, with natural ingredients known to help with thinning hair and hair loss.

It seems like only yesterday I was writing about Summer hair trends. And now, sadly, I’m about to write about Fall hair trends as it’s just around the corner.

Let’s first look out ahead to what’s going to be happening with regard to hair color for Fall.

Colors this fall will be rich, sophisticated and luscious. This is reported by a celebrity hairstylist. Stylists will be using a blend of warm and cool tones layered throughout the hair. The technique should be applied by sectioning the top of the head from the bottom. Using a more aggressive weft like layering pattern to apply below the round of the head, and a more natural approach above the round to the head. The colors, although somewhat unnatural- meaning the use of warm and cool tones- should be very close to the same level of light or dark. If you are thinking of getting chunky highlights for this fall, you might want to re-think. Especially if you are one who wants to stay cutting edge.

Another expert in the industry tells us that Fall is a wonderful time for curls to get a fabulous makeover with color. Chestnut brown and warm chocolate browns are always a seasonal favorite but this year true excitement will be seen with redheads from the deep burgundy hues to carrot top reds. Textured tresses all over will be making new statements with bolder riskier tones. Color is an excellent way to accent beautiful waves and curls to give them a new life.

How about styles? Boy short masculine crips to long tresses with bobs, in between, will be in vogue for Fall. The bob is slightly losing ground but remains popular and a versatile look. Bobs can be worn in lengths fron the cheek bones to the clavicle. Classic, edgy, shaggy, with or without bangs. Don’t forget to accessorize your long hair with bangs this fall. Wide side swept sultry bangs or a strong mop fringe can add a sexy, youthful fresh spin to that tired old layered look.

Reds, oranges, blacks and grays were heavily featured in the Fall fashion collections and you will be see in them in stores by summer’s end. Textures will be soft to very soft. As a result, haircuts this fall will stay long and deconstructed. Tones will stay blond. This trend will likely continue through Christmas.

So, even though it will be sad to see summer end, we can look forward to some fun new hair colors and styles for Fall. Besides, we do get kind of tired of wearing the same old summer clothes after a while….change is good.

I hate to even be thinking about this- but, before you know it summer will be winding down and we will be thinking about fall. If you want to know what to look ahead for for fall hair trends, lets look to top celebrity hair stylist for their tips, tricks and trends for fall.

Plan to see lots of styles accentuating hairs natural textures, according to a stylist from Warren Tricomi Los Angeles. A lot of true natural waves and beautiful curls. It will be all about texture. With hair colors being rich earthy tones. It’s truly going to be about fuss free easy effortless style. The main thing to invest in is a good styling product and deep conditioner to recover hairs health from the summer’s heat. Redken makes a great thermal resist spray that repairs hair while protecting from heat styling and also a great leave in anti-frizz curl refiner.

Treat the hair with some TLC during the peak of summer. Sun, humidity and other summertime elements punish the hair and can damage if if over exposed. Use a strong mask like Redken Real Control Intense Renewal to infuse moisture and bring the luster and bounce back to hair.

For get up and go hair, it’s all about the accessories. Skinny headbands, skinny barrettes, skinny scarves, and bobby pins. Ponytails will be big - and anything will go - whether they are deconstructed (purposefully messy with pieces falling in the face to frame it better) or slicked back (high or low). Parts will be very wide side parts. Part your hair like a triangle and pull pieces back. Wavy hair is in- again deconstructed ponytails letting the waves slip out a bit.

This fall, hair color will be highly influenced by nature. There will be lots of warm tones including reds, coppers, and very rich browns. Blonds will be warmer and richer in tones as well. All colors will have some tone on tone deep contrast from subtle highlights. There is a big emphasis on the movement in the ends of hair, from medium to long lengths. Roots will be less vibrant compared to the ends of the hair. Naturally air dried hair is going to be very big throughout the fall and winter. Whether you have curls or waves, wear them. Don’t blow your hair out straight all of the time.

This fall, we are going to start seeing a lot of medium length and long length styles. Most women will be growing out their high maintenance bobs of this past season. We will see a softer look, subtle layers on the bottom and soft layers around the face. No more bangs, just simple, beautiful and low maintenance hair.

So, now that you are aware of some of the up and coming trends, why not make an appointment with your hair stylist for your perfect cut?

Many women have either thought or said this. But, I’m perfectly healthy, how can I be losing my hair? Typically we think female hair loss only happens to sick people, or those being treated for cancer with chemotherapy. Or perhaps those on medications for other things. Perfectly healthy women don’t experience hair loss…or do they?

All women will lose some hair at some point in their lives. Most of them will be healthy, middle aged women. It is not something to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. Today, there are many solutions and options for female hair loss, otherwise known as alopecia. All alopecia means is more hair loss than is usually experienced.

Yes, we typically think of hair loss in men, but it can and does happen to women, although usually not to the same degree. In women, hair loss rarely if ever leads to baldness. Baldness for men is accepted and even celebrated today with the younger generation of males shaving their heads, celebrities sporting bald heads, etc.

There are two main causes of hair loss in healthy middle - aged women and they are psychological and physical. If you are too psychologically stressed, have lots of anxiety, burnout or extreme fatigue, it’s going to show up somewhere and it just might be in the form of hair loss. It’s important to control these things as they can cause your body to be unbalanced which produces the changes which can cause hair loss. Estrogen controls DHT, which is the hormone responsible for the malfunctioning of hair production in certain areas. It is produced by testosterone, but, as I just stated, it is controlled by estrogen.

So, what can you do about hair loss? Well, the first thing would be to determine the cause. Is it physical or is it psychological? If it’s psychological, you probably need to schedule some rest and free time. You may even want to consult a licensed psychologist or a psychiatrist, particularly if you are having difficulty understanding underlying your psychological issues.

Physical causes are different. Perhaps you are dealing with hormonal imbalance with is the leading cause of hair loss in middle aged women. It is probably caused by estrogen imbalance. Maintaining healthy amounts of hormone in your body would be the most important thing to consider. There are natural options to chose from today with regard to hormone balancing.

There are non-surgical solutions for your thinning hair issues such as MicroPoint Links, where your hair can be increased by 400% in volume by tying cyberhair in with your own hair. Prior to having MicroPoint links, a good hair replacement specialist would put you on Hair Support System, which is a natural, vitamin plant based product providing nutrients to your hair and scalp.

There are reams of information regarding hair loss on the Internet, I personally have done over a hundred blogs on the topic. As with anything, keep in mind that your life needs to be in harmony, body and spirit. These are stressful times we live in and we have to work at staying positive. If you realize you are too stressed, take time for yourself. If you feel down, do something uplifting - go for a walk, take the dog with you, go for a bicycle ride and just be outside for awhile. Sometimes being inside all of the time is depressing, especially when it’s beautiful outside.

Never give up and don’t despair! There are good solutions for you which will give you your life back. Far better to be dealing with this today than years ago when there were very few options!

Have you noticed the amount of celebrities who all of a sudden have long, beautiful, flowing locks? What is the key to all of that fabulous flowing hair? It is the clever use of hair extensions, carefully blended to match exactly with their own hair. These days, you can’t tell who is wearing hair extensions and who isn’t. Hair extensions can offer instant volume for limp hair, or they can be awesome relief from a disastrous haircut. Good ones are not cheap. Fantasia sells Great Lengths, which are what a lot of the celebrities in Hollywood are wearing.

Great Lengths, the unparalleled extension system that has changed the worldwide definition of hair design, will make your desire for thicker, longer, more beautiful hair a reality. With the Great Lengths patented technology for the application of 100% natural human hair strands, the limitations presented by all other extension systems are eliminated. Whether your application is for length, volume, color enhancement, or simply to update your current style, this revolutionary system will harmonize beautifully with your natural hair without ever displaying the visible telltale signs that are so common with other extension systems.

With Great Lengths, there are no styling limitations, no heavy-duty maintenance regimens and no restrictions on the use of styling tools. Once applied, Great Lengths is your hair! Because of the unique bonding method, Great Lengths offers all of these advantages without ever compromising the integrity of your natural hair!

How long extensions will last depends on how you care for your hair. The average length of time is three months. Leaving them in a lot longer than that is possible but you have to be careful you don’t have a matted “mess”. I’ve had some in for 6-8 months before having them removed. Some people have their extensions removed and have others put back in immediately as they have gotten so used to the volume of hair and don’t want to be without it.

Caring for your hair extensions is a bit different from caring for your natrual hair. Here are some things you should know.

• Use a soft bristle brush and brush your hair from the bottom and gently work your way up.
• Gently tie your hair up while sleeping.
• Do not color your own hair extensions at home.
• Don’t spray your extensions with conditioners or any silicone base products as they can cause the extensions to “slip”.

You can have long extensions if you want. Typically up to 26″-30″. Anything longer than this puts extra weight on your scalp which may lead to uneven pressure and damage to your own hair. Or, the excess weight may cause headaches. The best looking hair extensions for average height women are usually around 22″ or less.

Regarding cost, there are many variables. Obviously you can find a lesser quality product for less money. And, you should know that some of the inexpensive extensions can be very damaging to your own hair. To get the best possible product, such as Great Length Human Hair Extensions, you will pay a premium price. However, your hair will look great, it will last and you will feel terrific! So, only you can determine what a great head of hair is worth.

Your hair is the frame for your face. The way your hair is cut should highlight the best features of your face.

There are many hairstyles out there to pick and choose from. However, some may look good on some but not on others. If a particular hairstyle does not flatter the shape of your face, then it is not a good style for you.

For example, if you have a round face, you should wear your hair in such a way that it lessens the width of your face and choose a style that would add length to your face. In contrast, hairstyles that add length should be avoided by women with long faces. These women should choose a style that adds width to the face.

Whatever the shape of the face, there are a few cuts that look good on almost anyone. This is an all-around hairstyle which is simple and versatile and would look good on any type of face for any occasion.

What are the elements of this all-around haircut? Well, there are actually two main elements to the style which looks good on all.

The first element is layering. The layers of the hair should act as arrows that direct the eyes of whoever is looking at you to the best features of your face. This could be your eyes, lips or cheekbones, So - the layers of your hair should be done to the front of the face, rather than in the back. Avoid having the layers cut too short. Hair layers should not fall above the eye or above the earlobes.

The second element is length. Try to keep the length of your hair to just about your shoulders. Long hair that falls to the middle of the back and cut without any shape or layers should be left for teenage girls.

If you want to wear your hair long, wear it with layers around your face. Also, have the length at the back cut to a round shape, or a V-shape. Long hair cut straight without any shape, can make a woman look either too old or too juvenile. Long hair done with layers and with ends shaped in the back can give you a sophisticated, sexy look.

Since the all-around haircut if perfect or any face, regardless of shape, perhaps you should try it and see if it’s a good frame for your face?

Once upon a time, women suffered hair loss silently, ashamed by their appearance and baffled by its cause.

Today, we know that millions of women are afflicted with hair loss. 40% of hair loss sufferers are women, that is over 90 million women who are afflicted.

Hair loss, is referred to alopecia by the medical profession. It can be caused by excessive stress, hormonal imbalances, reactions to medications such as Accutane used to clear-up acne. Hair loss can also be caused by one’s bodily response to disease.

For more than 50% of women, the cause of their hair loss is genetic predisposition combined with hormonal changes. This is known as female pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia.

There are a variety of causes for androgenetic alopecia. These can include ovarian cysts, taking high androgen index birth control pills, pregnancy and menopause. Birth control pills are a huge contributing factor to female hair loss; and sadly, most women have no idea about this side effect. While oral contraceptives are a common trigger of hair loss - doctors do not emphasize this side effect. Physicians recognize the for the most part, oral contraceptives are a safe and effective form of birth control. They also recognize the the pills have been clinically proven to have other health benefits for some women who use them. However, it is important to warn women about the potential risk of hair loss with this form of contraceptive.

With a 75% chance for alopecia, if both parents are prone to hair loss, some doctors are now strongly suggesting an alternative forms of birth control. There are low-testosterone birth control pills on the market. If there is a strong predisposition for genetic hair loss in your family, ask for another non-hormonal form of birth control.

While most women do not experience hair loss while taking birth control pills, most cases occur after one stops taking the medication, particular for women who are sensitive to hormone changes.

Some forms of hair loss are curable, but most cases are permanent. Some of the medications featured on infomercials and in magazines should be avoided. Women are vulnerable when it comes to the hair loss issue and will waste their time and money on these products which will do nothing to correct their situation.

Once hair loss has set in, you need to find out the cause and begin treating the symptoms immediately. The longer you wait, the less chance of the hair growing back.

Are you wondering what the season’s hair trends are in terms of hair and hair accessories? Trends change and hairstyles are certainly no exception. Here are some of the latest hair tends for spring and summer 2008.

Blinding bangs are still big. From the runway to Hollywood, this look is all over out there. It’s a fresh look which echos the 60s and 80s fashion sensibility.

Short hair is back in this season. (Yea!) Whether it’s an asymmetrical crop or a frontal -length bob similar to the one sported by “Posh” Beckham, this look allows you to express your personal style. Don’t be afraid to customize and add a bit your personality to your cut.

Color-wise, the hot color continues to be blond. From warm shades to those edging closer to the platinum status.

Now to accessories! Headbands, ponytail holders, bobbie slides and barrettes are the big things. Adorning your hair with accessories allows you to accessorize an outfit and express your personal style at the same time.

Don’t just think shoes and purses, think hair accessories to as a great way to add some style to your outfit. Headbands and barrettes are not only pretty, but they are practical and can keep your hair off your face which can be good to let your skin breathe, especially if you have oily skin.

Accessories can be found in simple but sophisticated styles that suit grown women, not just children. But half the fun of them is the child-like whimsy of them! And, unlike shoes and purses, hair accessories are usually inexpensive.

You don’t have to break the bank to start a collection of hair accessories. So if you don’t want to buy clothes because you are too fat and don’t like the “size” you would need to buy, get some hair accessories instead. They will boost your ego and you can have fun with them!

The way many women want to describe their hair right now is sleek, straight and silky. Women with short hair, long hair, flat hair and even curly hair are trying to achieve that look.

Those with curly hair are using a flat iron to straighten their hair. While the flat iron is easy and quick,  it can damage the hair with the intense heat. Stylists agree that over doing it with the flat iron can too often damage the hair. Many recommend using a flat iron no more than twice per week.

So then how do you maintain the sleek look? According to stylists, you are better off using a blow dryer and round brush to straighten your hair. Here are some tricks to make it easier.

The first thing to do when you are straightening your hair is to get most of the moisture out before you use your tools. Start by blow drying without the brush. Products are very important to achieve the sleek, straight and silky look. Check with your stylist to see what she recommends for smoothing and shine serums or products. These would need to be applied to the whole head of hair. These products protect the hair while you are putting heat to it.

One of the tricks of the trade is the amount of tension applied with the brush. You need to keep the hair really tight on the brush while you do quite a few turns of the wrist to pull the curl out. Also, when using a round brush on the very bottom section of your hiar, pull the hair down with the brush. On all the other sections you will want to lift the brush and hair up. Go up with the brush as far as you can get to get lift.

After you finish blow drying with heat, use the cool setting. Using cool at the very end helps to seal and close the cuticle. Now you can finish up with a small amount of the serum or product you started with.

If you have oily hair and don’t have time to blow dry, there are some permanent options. There are straighteners. If you chose this method, know that your hair will grow out and you will have to have touch-ups. You will need to do it about every six weeks.

Then there is a semi-permanent straightener which softens the cuticle. Instead of growing out, the hair will fade out from this method so, again you will need to redo it every four to six weeks.

Don’t fret!  Even if you have curly hair it is possible for you to have the trendy, sleek, straight and silky look!